Behind The SpotLight

Behind The Spotlight Chapter 37

"Don't be shy! Let's all drink! Cheers!!" William shouted with infectious energy, his voice booming across the lively restaurant.

He raised his beer, root beer, to be precise. He was only 18 and had to be 21 to drink alcohol, a fact that frustrated him endlessly.

Even though the $420,000 he earned was nothing compared to his monthly allowance from his wealthy family, William understood this money was different. This was his first investment, and it had succeeded because of his decision-making. It was hard-earned money, the result of a gut decision and a bit of networking from Lila. He was celebrating his first step toward becoming someone independent from his family legacy.

Now, William realized there was potential in the film industry. A space filled with risk, but also massive rewards.

'Perhaps... perhaps I could work in this industry instead of fighting for control of my father's company,' something he secretly dreaded. He knew his capabilities and more importantly, he knew his limitations.

'Maybe I can work as a producer instead. I'll invest in my own projects and own the copyrights. I'll profit from that,' William mused, confidence growing in his chest.

After signing the deal with Wyatt and Collin, the young man began studying the film industry during his free time between college classes. He felt like he had a real shot in this business.

'I'll apply for a Film Major later. It's just the start of the school year, and I still have time to catch up if I change my major before the second semester begins,' William Edward nodded to himself, already imagining the next step.

"Cheers!" he said again, clinking his glass with anyone nearby.

The crew and cast smiled and raised their own glasses of alcohol, joining the celebratory chorus. Everyone was happy. They received a bonus today, and they knew it was well-deserved. Most of the crew and cast had attended the small screening to watch the movie and see how their efforts had paid off.

A few didn't attend due to family responsibilities, prior commitments, or other gigs. Of course, their bonuses were in Collin's hands. As the producer, he took that responsibility seriously. He would contact them tomorrow and hand over their shares in person.

This was just the beginning of their earnings. The real payday was still ahead. The box office run for The Accidental Wedding Crashers would begin in a few weeks, and once the revenue started coming in, they'd receive another round of bonuses, perhaps with more recognition.

Collin had told Wyatt that if he was serious about filmmaking, he should build a close relationship with the crew who helped bring his vision to life. This was a team Collin had carefully selected, believing in their talent and credibility despite their lack of formal accolades.

In fact, throughout the entire production, none of the crew members caused drama or used drugs, a miracle in an industry infamous for chaos. Collin had always trusted his instincts about people, and he was rarely wrong.

The best way to form relationships with the crew was through generosity and acknowledgment. Since the film had earned money, the crew and cast deserved their fair share. After all, they contributed with sweat, patience, and passion.

Filmmaking wasn't something that could be completed by a single person, especially not at this level of quality. Wyatt understood what Collin was trying to teach him, a valuable lesson.

He could see potential in the team they had formed, perhaps even the possibility of a lifelong partnership. Now that they'd taken the first step, he wanted to maintain that relationship and bring them along on future projects. They deserved every bit of today's bonus and more if things went well.

William chewed on barbecue, secretly tempted to drink alcohol. He wasn't an innocent boy, he had sipped alcohol at parties before. But the restaurant was near the ANT building, and too many familiar faces might walk by. So William decided to behave, for now. More than that, he was afraid Collin might snitch to Lila, and he didn't want to deal with her wrath.

As for Collin, he was deeply satisfied with how things turned out today, satisfied in a way words could hardly express. The negotiation had been tough, but that made the victory even sweeter.

In fact, the adrenaline from closing the deal had felt so incredible, he feared he might become addicted to the thrill. This was a different kind of high than what he'd felt in his first profession as a model. Negotiating with powerful people and still getting what he wanted? That kind of power made him grin inwardly. He realized he had the ability to move money and people with a single decision.

And the money he earned today? Fucking huge.

An amount he never imagined he'd have so soon. This was his first time closing a deal that brought in serious, life-changing cash.

$500,000. Half a million dollars sitting in his account.

'Half a million.' He wanted to scream but chose to drink instead.

Collin kept his composure as he chatted with others about movies, shows, and random jokes. But deep inside, he felt like he was floating, like he was drifting in the sky with no plans of coming down.

Let's do the math-thingy, or calculation, for a better term, because numbers made everything feel real.

This wasn't one of those happy-go-lucky novels where characters never talked about money and focused only on the "heartwarming" side of show business. No. This industry was powered by money.

First, Collin's commission was $200,000 from the deal. He earned $140,000 of that, with the remaining going to ANT as part of the agency's cut.

Then, there was the $420,000 from his profit share.

Collin had earned $560,000 today from a single business transaction.

'I don't care what happens, I'll pay off our debt and finally get that weight off my chest,' he thought, staring into his drink.

His family's debt had ballooned to over $200,000, haunting them for years. It was a massive burden, especially with interest piling up.

'Then I'll pay for my sister's college tuition, so she doesn't have to take student loans.'

The four-year course would cost about $25,000. Yes, it was much cheaper than the absurd costs seen in later decades. Inflation had screwed over many people.

Even after paying off those expenses, Collin would still have around $300,000 sitting in his account. That was still a lot. A life-changing amount for someone from his background. Honestly, he didn't even know how to spend that much, aside from paying bills and saving. For now, the money would remain untouched, like a warm safety blanket.

He also hadn't forgotten about taxes. Come April next year, he'd have to settle those too. And that would be another headache. But Collin was ready. He wasn't going to be one of those idiots who got destroyed by the IRS.

Anyway, today was a good day and nothing would ruin it... Right?

"Cheers!" he joined in.

They raised their glasses in unison, laughter filling the restaurant.

"Thanks for sharing your book! I promise I'll return it when I'm done. God, I don't even know where to find this genre. They're rare," Jennifer said, eyes sparkling.

"It's alright. If you want, I can share some of my collection with you but you also have to share your vampire collection with me," a crew member replied with a playful smirk.

"Fuck yeah, I'll do that."

Collin saw Jennifer, still in her white floral sundress, chatting excitedly with a female crew member. They were talking about books or something along those lines.

He glanced at the book in Jennifer's hand and casually squinted to read the title.

"The Alpha Rutted the Omega Till His Stomach Inflated..." Collin muttered under his breath, blinking in confusion. As for what it meant, he had no idea. He wasn't even sure he wanted to know. The words were too confusing, especially all strung together.

Alpha?

Omega?

Rutted?

Stomach inflation?

His?

No context could possibly save this.

Then, Collin noticed Axel entering the restaurant with a weary expression. He quietly took a seat at their table and began eating without saying a word.

'...Maybe he still hasn't found his ex-wife and son, despite all his efforts,' Collin thought as he sipped his drink.

As an agent, it was important to understand his clients' mindsets, to support them not just professionally, but on a human level. Collin knew Axel's circumstances and genuinely sympathized.

His eyes then shifted to Lawrence, who was already blending in with the others like a natural-born charmer. This man was Collin's fourth client, and the second golden talent he'd discovered through a simple audition.

'Now that The Accidental Wedding Crashers is done, I need to find jobs for my clients before they go stagnant. Especially Lawrence. I need to land him a romance movie where his charm can truly shine.'

Collin downed his alcohol, satisfaction bubbling in his chest.

The atmosphere tonight was electric.

It was a celebration well-earned.